7 Tricks to Rock a Round Fan in Hanfu Photography!

This tutorial is all about how to use a fan (especially a round one) in Hanfu photoshoots to make models and compositions pop. Let’s be real—holding something while snapping pics feels way more comfy, like how pants need pockets!

Among all the props in Hanfu shoots—like ancient zithers, pipas, swords, umbrellas, flower baskets, or wine cups—the fan steals the spotlight with the highest screen time. Every Hanfu fairy seems to have one, and it’s no surprise: fans are budget-friendly, easy to carry, and work with almost any outfit or location—except maybe martial arts themes.

Whether you’re going for the sweet village girl vibe, a refined lady look, or a free-spirited feel, fans handle every style like a champ. Here are some poses pairing Hanfu with fans to inspire those planning a shoot!

Trick 1: Sun-Shade Move

Highlight: Half-closed eyes work best, perfect for bright light when you can’t keep your eyes open—act super chill! No sun? Pretend there’s one, like in the pic—maybe even shading the moon?

Trick 2: Face-Compare Move

Highlight: Hold it close to your face, height doesn’t matter—just point the fan toward the camera. Facing the lens adds more color and elements to the shot, making it livelier than no-prop pics.

Trick 3: Side-Profile Fan Kill

Side profile with a fan is total fairy magic! Find your best angle—45°, 60°, or 90°—and snap a few to nail it.

Highlight: Profile straight-on with the fan, give a dreamy gaze. What’s dreamy? Think squinting like a nearsighted person can’t tell people from pets from afar.

Trick 4: Face-Block Move

Big face? No stress, let the fan hide it! Folding fans covering the face are super popular.

Highlight: Cover what’s big—think “half-hiding like a pipa,” let the vibe sink in slowly.

Trick 5: Graceful Hold Move

This one’s a breeze—just hold it in one hand, use the other for extra poses. Stand tall, lie down, or sit—keep the fan-holding hand light and natural.

Highlight: This suits the gentle beauty vibe, “stillness within stillness” is a solid pick. Perfect for hands with nowhere to go.

Trick 6: Place-It Move

Toss the fan casually or use it as a foreground to fill empty spaces. Make it the star shot or add mood and story.

Highlight: Place it freely, play with the frame.

Trick 7: Free-Style Move

Feel stiff? Go wild—don’t stick to one form, adapt on the spot.

Highlight: Catch the moment, like adjusting clothes—photogs should watch for natural flow. Hugging the fan? No deep meaning… maybe just ran out of pose ideas!

Tips for Aspiring Hanfu Photogs:

Highlight: No big rules—have fun shooting! Don’t shy from the camera; chat with the photographer beforehand to loosen up. If posing feels awkward, look away, skip the lens, or close your eyes and smile.